Q. Is lifting weights and being a Strongman a better fit for you?

Oh yes. Lifting weights and competing in Strongman is a much better fit and purpose for me. With weightlifting, you just have to lift the weight, and if you don’t, you lose. It’s simple, easy and I can train when and most of the time, where I want.

Q. What experiences do you feel helped you set such a successful path for yourself?

Sometimes it was hard dealing with discrimination as a youngster with Indonesian and French heritage. Sometimes I felt like an outcast because I looked different and spoke differently to most other kids.

But life’s funny. Some of us use these types of experiences to our advantage to train our mind to power on through, which I did out of necessity.

Other people let experiences like these paralyse them with fear. Sometimes for their entire life, which is sad.

When you’re young, you want to fit in. However, as you mature and acquire life experience, you realise that fitting in doesn’t matter. My parents raised me to be and live ‘judgement-free.’

Even Strongman has its stereotypes like any other profession. What I mean by that is you don’t see many Indonesian French Strongman. Most Strongmen are from Europe so having an Australian strongman with Indonesian and French heritage isn’t something you see every day.

Q. So, what are some of the other stereotypes of Strongman?

The popular stereotype is that weightlifter’s and strongmen are uneducated, undisciplined, intimidating, and taking steroids. Based on my experience, this is far from reality.

The weightlifters and Strongmen I know and have competed against are a well-educated and grounded bunch. I and others I know have University degrees and are dedicated to perfection in our chosen sports and fields using our mind, body, and soul.

This stereotype exists because we can look quite intimidating because of our physique.

It is the classic tall poppy syndrome. Look at any profession and person who’s successful.

Most people do not see or appreciate the discipline it takes to succeed!

The late nights, the sacrifices, the missed birthday parties, the highs and lows or years of isolation dedicated to training, honing and developing their skills to be the best they can be in their chosen field.

In the weightlifting and Strongman arena, most people assume that we’re taking a bunch of steroids and BOOM, we’re Strongmen now.

Like any professional sportsperson, successful business owner, or parent, we have an insatiable appetite to be the best we can be in our sport and lives and put in the work to achieve the physical, mental tenacity and success we desire.

Q. Do you have any role models or people that inspire you?

I’m more about driving myself and holding myself accountable and being in charge of my life. So instead, I admire people from all walks of life, professions and backgrounds who understand nothing in life is free.

People willing to go after their dreams make sacrifices and work hard to achieve success and whatever success means to them.

And that could be anybody. It could be a person who has started a business to create a better lifestyle for themselves or help other people or make the world a better and safer place.

It could be a mother who has decided to stay at home to look after her kids or a person with a drinking problem who has remained sober.

It could be a weightlifter or sportsperson who has come from obscurity and risen to the top of their game through commitment and hard work.

I admire people who strive to be the best. Those who have the grit, passion, and commitment to work hard and go after what they want in their life.